We all know how life can throw us curves at any point — a job loss, illness, accident, car repair, natural disaster — just about any emergency can pop up at any time. If you learn how to save money, and have reserves to deal with sudden expenses, you'll be in much better shape during difficult times.

Creating an emergency savings fund is the first step in preparing for the unexpected. And it's never too early or late to start building a strong financial foundation.

Determine what savings amount makes sense for you, then set a goal to get there. Some experts recommend three to six months of expenses. Others say you should have a certain dollar amount in mind. And some say you should pay off high interest debt before starting an emergency fund. Only you can decide what's best for your situation.

Why Create an Emergency Fund?

You can't control everything that happens in your life. But you can learn how to save money, and prepare to pay for things that come out of the blue. If you set emergency funds aside, you can use cash to pay for unexpected expenses. You won't need to use other more costly forms of funding.

For example, you won't have to turn to debt to cover an expense. Credit cards are great for emergencies. But if you can't pay the balance charged each month, you'll be paying extra money in interest. You also won't need to raid investment or retirement accounts. Withdrawing money from these accounts can add early withdrawal penalties and reduce your long-term financial cushion.

Establishing an emergency savings fund also keeps your budget intact. You won't have to miss payments on existing obligations to pay for unexpected things. Late fees and overdraft charges can add up and take a big chunk out of your hard earned dollars.

Probably the most important reason to learn how to save money and create an emergency fund involves your well being. Knowing you'll have the money to pay for emergencies eliminates stress and helps you focus entirely on resolving the issue at hand.

Where Do I Learn How to Save Money for an Emergency Fund?

Regions has online resources to help you learn how to save money and determine the right amount for your situation. Learn how much you should set aside for emergencies with our Save for a Rainy Day calculator. You can begin with small steps like setting up a direct deposit from your paycheck into a savings account. Or, you can schedule an automatic transfer from your checking to savings account each month.

The key to building your emergency fund is making regular deposits. Even small deposits add up over time. If you're having trouble finding money to contribute, look to cut an existing expense. You just can't afford not to have emergency funds socked safely away.

Savings accounts are easy to use and you can do your banking online in most cases. Plus, you'll have immediate access to your money whenever you need it. You can consider other options as your balance grows, like Certificates of Deposit or Money Market accounts.

This information is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. Regions makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of any information presented. Information provided should not be relied on or interpreted as accounting, financial planning, investment, legal, or tax advice. Regions encourages you to consult a professional for advice applicable to your specific situation. Regions neither endorses nor guarantees any websites or companies referenced in this article that are not owned by Regions.

Insurance products are offered through Regions Insurance, Inc., which is an affiliate of Regions Bank. The purchase of insurance products through an affiliate is completely optional. Neither the purchase of insurance products through the bank or any of its affiliates, nor the agreement not to obtain, or a prohibition on the consumer from obtaining insurance products through an unaffiliated entity will affect any application for credit or the terms of any existing credit agreement with Regions Bank.

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